Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Issues Fatwa Against TVK Chief Vijay Over Anti-Muslim Allegations

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Issues Fatwa Against TVK Chief Vijay Over Anti-Muslim Allegations

A fatwa has been issued against Tamil actor and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) president Thalapathy Vijay by the All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ), sparking fresh controversy ahead of his political debut.

The religious decree was declared by AIMJ President Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi. He stated that the fatwa was issued after Vijay allegedly invited gamblers and alcohol consumers to an Iftar event he hosted, and due to his past portrayal of Muslims in a negative light in his films.

“Vijay has recently formed a political party and is trying to build relationships with the Muslim community. However, his past film roles depicted Muslims as terrorists and spreaders of violence, which has deeply hurt religious sentiments,” said Maulana Razvi. “In the Iftar party he hosted, people known to be gamblers and alcohol consumers were invited. This has angered Sunni Muslims in Tamil Nadu, who asked for a fatwa, and we have responded accordingly.”

The cleric urged Tamil Nadu’s Muslims to distance themselves from Vijay, advising them not to support or associate with him politically or socially.

The controversy adds to growing scrutiny of Vijay’s recent political moves. Last month, reports surfaced that the TVK had requested Y-category security for the actor, citing potential threats from Muslim groups — a claim that sparked outrage. VCK leader Vanniarasu accused Vijay and TVK of seeking protection due to the way Muslims were portrayed in his past films, including Kaththi and Beast.

In response, TVK and its ally, the Tamil Nadu Muslim League, dismissed these accusations as politically motivated. They claimed the ruling DMK and its partners were attempting to create divisions and weaken support for Vijay among Muslim voters.

“This is a clear attempt to isolate the Muslim community from TVK,” a party spokesperson said, defending the Iftar event as a gesture of unity and goodwill.

Despite the criticism, Vijay remains a popular figure in Tamil Nadu, both as a film star and a rising political figure. His supporters argue that the actor has made sincere efforts to connect with diverse communities, and that controversies are being fueled by rivals fearing his growing influence.

The fatwa and the surrounding backlash may impact Vijay’s efforts to build cross-community appeal, as the state prepares for its next political phase. However, his team remains confident that the public will see through what they call a “politically driven smear campaign.”